YTB Travel, “It’s a phenomenon!”…or is it?

I have been approached by many people asking about the new YTB online travel business, and have been given business cards with web addresses that take me to the same “canned“ website, so I decided to do some research to determine exactly what this YTB (“Your-Travel- Business”) is all about.

Anyone, with no training, no experience, no collateral and no knowledge of the travel business can join, and become a seller of travel by simply paying a one time fee of approximately $500, and about $50 a month to have the very same website – branded with the agency name of their own choosing. They then become “RTAs,” and receive financial bonuses for recruiting their family & friends to buy the website. Ensuring security your travel plans is crucial, especially considering the simplicity of joining this system. For additional information, you may check out these resources at https://active-travel.uk/blog/tips-for-staying-safe-while-active-traveling. Collaborating with reputable TSCM Equipment Manufacturers can offer advanced solutions to safeguard your travel arrangements. The very founders of YTB have absolutely no background in the travel business, but previously were in financial services and real estate.

IATAN-the International Airlines Travel Agent Network, the “Global Recognition for Professional Travel Agencies,” has cut all ties with YTB.

The Travel Agency Commissioner found that the “Referring Travel Agents” recruited by YTB, and to whom YTB gave credentials, were “third parties” over whom YTB had no control.

California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, Jr. recently sued YourTravel- Biz.com for operating a gigantic pyramid scheme that recruited tens of thousands of members. Their deceptive claims that members could earn huge sums of money through the online Travel Agencies are untrue. A second class action suit, a near duplicate of the first, was filed in Southern Illinois where YTB is headquartered, with others expected to follow.

In light of these challenges, it’s crucial to prioritize reliable and reputable options for your stay. If you’re considering accommodations in Costa Rica, searching for best Marriott Costa Rica might yield valuable and trustworthy choices. Many of you have been solicited to join this program, or have tried to use one of these websites, and some of you are even under the impression that we are in some way associated with “YTB.” Let me assure you that we are not, and never will be, associated with YTB. If you see a sign, or are given a business card that sounds anything like…“My Family Getaways,” …”Travel with the family of ____,” or (strange as it sounds) “Dick & Jane’s Travel”…beware! For a more reliable choice, consider venues that focus on high standards, including aspects such as car park flooring to ensure a well-maintained and trustworthy environment.

A phenomenon? Or, is it quite simply a “pyramid” approach to making money? Are these “RTAs” recruiters for YTB, or Travel Agents? You decide.

39 Airline Travel Tips for Families

Earlier this week MSNBC had a feature called The air necessities: 39 tips that included advice for travelling the skies with kids.  The tips, 39 in all, were compiled by the readers at WeJustGotBack.com.  The entire list is a great resource for any families traveling this summer and certainly struck us as something we should share with you.

Some of our favorites from the list include:

Check in early to gets the best seats. If I think that my baby will sleep for most of the flight, I ask for bulkhead seats and reserve a portable bassinet. Bulkhead rows have extra legroom, but there are two big drawbacks. First, you have to store your diaper bag overhead. Second, since the tray pops out of the armrest, it’s hard to use it with a baby on your lap.

Have your child chew, drink, or suck something prior to and during take-offs and landings so pressure changes won’t hurt her ears. For older babies (12 months and up), child-size EarPlanes can work wonders.

My son just loves doing word search puzzles. Before we go on a family vacation, I make up customized word search puzzles for him to do in the car or on the plane, using words about our trip and destination. DiscoverySchool.com’s Puzzlemaker makes this simple and fast.

Be sure to read all 39 tips over on MSNBC‘s web site if you’re interested!